Sangamon County Disaster Risk
Sangamon County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sangamon County, Illinois
Sangamon faces elevated disaster risk
Sangamon County scores 91.70 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and substantially above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This capital-region county experiences compounded hazards that require serious preparedness planning across multiple disaster types.
Third-highest risk in Illinois
Sangamon ranks among the top three riskiest counties in Illinois with its 91.70 composite score, surpassing 90% of the state's other counties. The county's tornado risk of 97.14 is among the very highest in the state, reflecting its position in the heart of tornado alley.
Most dangerous in central Illinois
Sangamon's 91.70 score makes it the most at-risk county in its region, substantially exceeding safer neighbors like Shelby County (51.75) and Schuyler County (11.36). Only St. Clair County (94.91) carries higher composite risk among Illinois counties.
Extreme tornado and flood exposure
Sangamon residents face exceptional tornado risk at 97.14 and significant flood risk at 91.16—both among the state's highest. Earthquake risk is also elevated at 94.56, creating a compound-hazard environment that demands year-round preparedness across multiple threat types.
Strengthen defenses against multiple threats
Sangamon homeowners should maintain comprehensive tornado and flood insurance, including separate NFIP flood coverage, plus earthquake insurance given the elevated seismic risk. Identify or construct a safe room rated for tornadoes, regularly update emergency supplies, and review insurance annually to ensure adequate limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sangamon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sangamon County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sangamon County at the 92th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sangamon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (91th percentile), hurricane (41th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 97th percentile nationally, Sangamon County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 95th percentile nationally means Sangamon County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Sangamon County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Sangamon County is 37.2 composite risk points above the Illinois average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Sangamon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sangamon County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Sangamon County?
How does Sangamon County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Sangamon County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sangamon County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.